Vermont CDL Requirements

Certain qualifications must be met before people can apply for a Class A commercial driver license (CDL) in Vermont, and they include the following:

They must be at least 18 years of age

They must have a Class D driver license

Applicants may apply at age 18, and they can even apply to transport hazardous materials, but they will be restricted to only driving their vehicles within the state. In order to drive from Vermont to another state in a commercial vehicle with or without hazardous materials, applicants must be 21 years of age.

Required Tests

Applicants for a Class A CDL will need to pass written tests and the driving skills test. Before applicants can take the driving test, they will need to obtain their learner’s permits. They receive their permits after they pass their written exams that include a general knowledge test that everyone must take. Some people need to demonstrate their knowledge in other areas, and they will need to take additional knowledge tests. For example, those who will transport hazardous materials will take a separate knowledge exam to have this endorsement added to their licenses. Information for the written portion of the test may be found in the Vermont CDL Manual.

Applicants will need to make an appointment to take the various knowledge tests. After passing these exams, they qualify to take the driving skills test. The driving test will require an appointment as well, but applicants will need to offer a $20 deposit before they can schedule it. Applicants who pass the driving skills test may obtain their license for an additional fee.

Preparing for the Driving Skills Test

After they receive their permits, applicants will have six months to prepare for the next phase of the testing process. However, if six months is not long enough to be comfortable taking the driving skills test, applicants can renew their permits once within a two year period.

What to Bring to the Driving Skills Test

When applicants schedule their driving skills tests, they will need to bring the following documents with them:

Their current driver licenses

Their learner’s permits

Their social security numbers

Their proof of liability insurance coverage for the commercial vehicle in which they will perform their test

The commercial vehicle’s valid registration

Their medical cards

The valid inspection sticker on their commercial vehicles

The commercial vehicle applicants bring to the testing site will need to meet Vermont’s inspection requirements.

What the Driving Skills Test Entails

During the test, applicants will perform an inspection. Then, they will take their vehicles on the roads for the driving skills test. Applicants will have three chances to pass the driving skills test. If they fail the third time, they will need to wait six months to schedule a fourth exam date.

Those who pass their driving skills exams will pay a $75 fee for a Class A CDL that will be valid for four years. Those who wish to purchase a two-year CDL may do so for a fee of $50.

Vermont re-licensing information includes the need to renew your license every four years. Retesting may be necessary for anyone who allows their license to expire for more than 30 days.